Well, Haiti will never be the same again as the Texas Team plus our token Canadian arrived in Haiti.
Quite an adventure with the travels with a 3+ hour delay out of DFW, a plane that needed a jump start, a jetway in Miami parked 6’ from the plane door, a 1:00 AM check-in at the hotel, a 3:45 AM wake up call for eight of us, a 4:45 AM wake up call for counsel, 18 bags curb-side checked with a smile due to the generous tip from one Brittanie, 3 bags seen left on the tarmac in the luggage transport cart as we fly away, a quick breeze through security and loading of the tap-tap, a grand tour of 1/4 mile of one road in PaP several times over (then again a couple more times just to make sure), an offer of freshly plucked chickens for lunch in the mountainside community of PaP (we passed on the offer), potholes, potholes, potholes, did I mention potholes (we have video, a crushed black suitcase and a couple of spines to prove), more potholes that make you grab air, rain to cool the evening and create dirt balls along forearm as we ride, Doberman pinchers as our welcome party at the Comfort House (Garrett just smile and back away – if that fails push Todd in front of you), a wonderful arrival at HATS to see our blessed sister Karen and the kids – our home away from home in Haiti, a wonderful dinner and conversation – all in all the trip has been great – Ryan says we are “building memories” (such a soft heart that Ryan).
The team is in great spirits and ready to begin the work that is before us. We are humbled to think that the Lord called and allows us to be part of this work.
You don’t spend a moment in Haiti without being changed. Every sight, smell, sound reminds you of where you are. Even though we did not drive through some of the more damaged areas of PaP, the destruction was there. It was already there. Yet through it all you see a beautiful people, a quick smile and wave from a multitude of kids and the resiliency of the adults on the street corner still setting up shop. Yes, you question why a people that has suffered so much suffers again. But that is an American (North American for my Canadian friends) thought process. I am not convinced the Haitians see it that way.
Oh to have the simple joy in our hearts that you so manifestly see in Josie as she receives and holds your hug just a little while longer. An inward joy and peace that we pray is grounded in Christ.
This week will be a journey for all of us. Our prayer remains that we will minister in Christ’s name for His glory. Your prayers are vitally important as we minister.
We are already grateful for a hug from Josie.
~David
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